She was born Jan. 6, 1927, the daughter of Byron and Vida (Whitmore) Fish.

She graduated from Fair Haven High School in 1944 and from Becker College in Worcester, Mass.

Mrs. Niven was employed by Springfield Local Telephone Co. and Continental Telephone Co. for 35 years.

She was a member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 31, Women of the Moose Chapter 241 and the VFW Auxiliary 648.

Survivors include two daughters, Janet Cole of South Pomfret and Jean Pitts of Windsor; two sons, Jerry and John Swenor, both of Reading; two stepchildren, Charlene McGovern of Arizona and Rick Niven of Hillsboro, N.H.; a brother, Byron Fish of Charleston; six grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; and five nieces.

She was predeceased by her husband, Robert L. Niven, in 1990; a grandson; her former husband, Dwayne Swenor; and two sisters, Doris Provencher and Betty York.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date in Rutland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mount Ascutney Hospital and Health Center, 289 County Road, Windsor, VT 05089.